Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee continued its discussion of events scheduled to take place during the city’s year-long birthday extravaganza.
Present for the May 14 session were Committee Chairperson Kim Smith and members Billie Brodsky, Theresa Fowler and Sharon Roix. The agenda included discussion of the many activities planned for the coming weeks and months ahead.
“The city has given the Committee $10,000 toward the Air Show but an additional $30,000 is still needed. A sponsorship packet has been prepared. Nate Grass and Walt Elish are working on this,” Fowler advised the group.
Smith indicated plans were progressing with the owners of the Braden Theatre to hold an old-movie event.
“We don’t think the Braden would have a problem getting an attendance of 50 to 100 for old movies,” said Smith, noting that the program wouldn’t have to interfere with regularly-scheduled movie releases if the shows were matinees. “Any costs for the equipment could be defrayed by charging the normal $5 admission fee for these movies as well.”
Smith said the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and Sesquicentennial Committee would be willing to help publicize the old-time movies by adding them to their distribution lists, air them on Channel 16 and online at visitaroostook.com.
The group discussed the success of the Historic Music Concert.
“It was simply fabulous. The historic facts added by Dan Ladner in between musical selections really made the event special and further tied itto our historic celebration,” explained Smith.
Smith said the Kiwanis Home and Garden Show was, “an excellent event for the Sesquicentennial in terms of visibility,” adding that several event calendars were distributed during the show.
It was noted the Lecture Series continues to go well.
Fowler provided a parade update, estimating the Parade Committee would need about $50 to cover the cost of trophies.
“There’s been a lot of interest in the parade. Several beauty queens have signed up. The Cole Museum will be participating, as will the local armed forces recruiters,” said Fowler, adding the Shriners and local floats will also be a part of the parade.
While there was no update on a basketball game, in other sporting news, Smith said the 5K Run & Walk registration forms were ready and she’d send one to Fowler.
Smith said the use of the star would depend on having the appropriate way to hang it.
“We’re hoping that Fred Haines will fabricate the supports needed,” she said.
No additional information was available on the Ultimate ATV event, which is being hosted by the Star City ATV Club the weekend of July 24-26.
As for publicity, Smith said the Committee is looking at the possibility of stringing banners across Main St.
“One as you enter town from the north and one from the south,” said Smith.
Radio ads are also being recorded by various officials to be aired on Channel X.
“I’ve recorded 13. Theresa, Calvin Hall and Jason Parent will record the remaining ads,” said Smith, explaining a different ad will run each week throughout the rest of the year.
Each ad will consist of approximately 60 seconds of history and 30 seconds promoting an upcoming event if there is one that week.”
The Sesquicentennial quilt, which made its debut at the birthday bash at NMCC April 4, is now at the middle school and will continue to appear at a new site each month. Its schedule is as follows: June – Northern Maine Regional Airport; July – City Hall; August – Northern Maine Fair; September – University of Maine at Presque Isle; October – Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce; November – Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library; and December – Presque Isle Police Department.
“Jason took the writeup on the quilt and turned it into a very nice poster which is traveling with the quilt,” Smith said.
May 14 marked the official kickoff in Presque Isle of the Walk Around the World in 150 Days program.
“It seemed to be going very well while I was there,” said Smith, noting Parent was unable to attend the meeting to provide an update.
No updates were available at the May meeting on the Arts and Crafts Show, church events or the fireworks.
The Committee will hold its next meeting on June 11 at 6 p.m. at the Chamber office at 3 Houlton Rd.
For more information on upcoming activities, visit www.pihistory.org/sesquicent.htm.
J. Rodney Lamoreau, a member of Seniors Achieving Greater Education (SAGE) at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, presents the group’s donation to the Presque Isle Historical Society. Receiving the donation is Kimberly R. Smith, the treasurer and corresponding secretary of the Presque Isle Historical Society. The SAGE members elected to make this donation this spring semester to contribute to the Society’s participation in the Star City’s Sesquicentennial activities.
